Step 8 – monitoring and review

As part of its asset registry local government should maintain a comprehensive database of relevant data on open space and recreation facilities in the area, including:

• location and site area of each open space parcel and recreation facilities linked to a geographic information system system
• function of each parcel (sport, recreation and/or nature spaces)
• capital improvements on each parcel (buildings with areas, playing fields by type and infrastructure)
• condition of improvements, replacement costs and depreciated value
• management, operation and maintenance costs
• land administration information such as leases, licenses, permits, easements etc
• occupants and tenure
• rent and other income.

Reports from the database should include:

• information for council’s budget setting processes and open space planning
• total value and extent of depreciation of improvements of open space land by type
• forecast of all revenues and costs by open space characteristics.

Periodic surveys can monitor and gather feedback on performance including:

• permitted user surveys – surveys of the sporting clubs and other user groups who have access rights via a lease, permit or other agreements. Information should include the number of people using the land at various times by activity type
• casual user surveys – surveys of the people using open space for activities on a casual basis, via field surveys that capture visitor numbers at various times of the year, week and day. It will necessary to apply a sampling approach.

The surveys should ascertain:

• origin of visitor
• visitor characteristics
• purpose of visit
• activities carried out
• time engaged in activities
• frequency of use
• positive  and negative aspect of the space.

The strategy should also contain a commitment to both comprehensive review (say a 7 to 10 year cycle), and interim or ad hoc reviews if there is a major change in the planning context (for example if the State or federal governments provide funding for a major new facility which changes the supply context).